Jean-Claude Juncker has said he will step down after his term as President

The former Luxembourg Prime Minister said he will not be running for a second term in 2019 despite spouting forth about how he “fell in love with Europe again” and its diversity during the last election campaign in 2014.

Then British Prime Minister David Cameron and Hungarian leader Viktor Orban were the only two members to object to Mr Juncker's selection three years ago.

Europe’s biggest fan has now said he fears the 27 remaining members of the European Union (EU) will fall out over Brexit negotiations.

The fact that a country is leaving – above all a large, important, influential country – remains a continental tragedy in my opinion

Jean-Claude Juncker

He told German radio Deutschlandfunk: “The fact that a country is leaving – above all a large, important, influential country – remains a continental tragedy in my opinion.

“The other 27 are not yet aware of this, but the Brits know very well how they can tackle it.

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Theresa May and Mr Juncker appear to get along, but Mr Juncker thinks Brexit will divide the EU

He said the EU “should take this opportunity” to make new trade deals with the US but revealed he is concerned Britain will swoop in and start negotiations on bilateral trade treaties before officially leaving the bloc.